In pictures: Thousands of Catholics gather for Pope canonisation ceremony in the Vatican

Pope Francis proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II saints in front of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims celebrating two 20th century giants of the Roman Catholic Church. Cheers and applause rang out across St Peter's Square after the historic double canonisation as many in the crowd fixed their gaze on huge tapestries of the two popes on the facade of the basilica behind Francis.Picture: REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini